Trooper Potts was awarded the Victoria Cross for “conspicuous bravery and devotion” when in August 1915, already wounded himself, he dragged his severely injured comrade Trooper Arthur Andrews on a shovel over two days under enemy fire to safety

The medal has been on loan to Lord Ashcroft VC’s collection at the Imperial War Museum.

Its owner, a grandson of Trooper Potts called Robert Binham who lives in Somerset, has now agreed to allow it to be moved to Reading in time for opening of the exhibition.

All the arrangements are now in place between Reading Museum and Imperial War Museum to support the temporary loan.

A statement from Trooper Potts’ family said: “The Potts’ family is delighted and proud that the opportunity has arisen to display the VC in Fred’s home town of Reading.

“The medal represents not only the personal act of bravery, but the recognition of the selfless contribution of men from modest backgrounds who voluntarily served their country and, more particularly, The Berkshire Yeomanry during the First World War.

“It is hoped this raises awareness of these men who served then and since so they are remembered and valued within their local community.”

Trooper Potts was awarded the Victoria Cross for “conspicuous bravery and devotion” when in August 1915, already wounded himself, he dragged his severely injured comrade Trooper Arthur Andrews on a shovel over two days under enemy fire to safety.

Both men survived.

Michael Naxton, curator of Lord Ashcroft’s VC Collection and Patron of the Trooper Potts VC Trust, said while many VCs are the result of spur of the moment action, this VC was unusual in being awarded to a man who stayed by a severely wounded colleague – over a period of 48 hours – and took action to ensure he was rescued at considerable risk to himself.

Richard Bennett, chairman of the Trooper Potts VC Trust, said: “We are delighted that Reading Museum has been able to negotiate the loan of Fred Potts VC Medal strip. The VC will be coming home, if just for the period of the exhibition.

“We have found that the story of Fred’s personal support to a wounded comrade reaches out to people, in particular to children and students. We do hope parents will bring their children to see the exhibition and these medals. If people feel inspired to contribute to the trust’s plan to erect a memorial to Fred Potts VC and Arthur Andrews that will be a bonus.”

The exhibition Reading At War will draw on the museum’s collections of artefacts and images to explore the impact of war though the ages.

Earlier conflicts represented include the 9th Century Viking raids and the English Civil War siege of 1643.

The more recent account of the Second World War will focus on the devastating air raid on Reading town centre in 1943, in which 41 people lost their lives.

The Reading at War Exhibition will run from Saturday, April 5, to Sunday, September 14.